Title : Echocardiogram
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| Short Description : Medical Procedure
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Description :
Echocardiography is also referred to as cardiac ultrasound. An echocardiogram uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to study the structure in and around the heart. This facilitates a detailed study of the anatomy of the heart and function of the heart muscles and valves. It identifies the speed and direction of blood flow within the heart chambers and across the heart valves. This procedure forms part of the panel of medical tests required for assessment of risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attack
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As part of the routine assessment of cardiovascular diseases, stress echocardiography is done. During stress echocardiography, the sound waves of ultrasound are used to produce images of the heart at rest and at the peak of exercise
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Procedure: This is a painless procedure where the technician places a hand-held transducer in contact with the body at various positions to view all parts of the heart. A transducer transmits and receives sound waves. To improve the transmission of sound waves and therefore improve quality of picture, a thick gel is used
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| A computer is used to provide the images. These images are supplemented with sound and colour to help determine blood flow in the heart |
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There is no known harmful effect of ultrasound as used in echocardiography
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Title : Electrocardiogram
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Short Description : Medical Procedure
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| Description :
An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart and is used in diagnosis of heart diseases. An ECG is very useful in determining whether the heart of a person with chest pains or palpitations is beating normally. An ECG may be included as part of a routine annual examination in patients over 40 years old. |
| An ECG tracing can give information on abnormality of heart rhythm, distinguish between a current heart attack and one that occurred in the past and provide clues on type of heart abnormalities |
| Normal ECG |
| Procedure: The patient is asked to lie down and electrodes are attached to each arm, leg and chest. The area/skin where electrodes are attached are first cleaned. In diagnostic ECG, approximately 12 to 15 electrodes may be used whereas in monitoring ECG, 3 to 5 electrodes are used. The patient may be asked to remain still or to hold their breaths for short periods at certain parts of the procedure. The results are recorded on a strip of paper or on a monitor. This is a relatively painless procedure. |
To improve the ability to detect abnormality, different versions of recording ECG has been developed. These include:
Exercise ECG is a reading obtained while exercising on a treadmill. Also known as "stress test", this can spot abnormal heart patterns and insufficient blood and oxygen supplies to the heart muscle during exercise.
· Ambulatory ECG (Holter monitoring) records your heart patterns, usually over a 24-hour period. The patient wears a portable recording device with electrodes attached to the skin for 24 hours. The taped information can then be analyzed by a computer and printed out much like a standard ECG.
· Telephone-transmitted ECG is used to transmit heart patterns to a hospital or doctor when symptoms develop. The patient dials the number given and transmits the readings over a phone line |
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